Restorative Practice and Circle: the Fundamentals (Virtual)

Restorative Justice is a broad term encompassing a growing social movement to institutionalize peaceful approaches to harm, problem-solving and violations of legal and human rights. Restorative Practice seeks to balance the needs of the person who was harmed, the person causing harm and their community(ies) through processes that preserve the safety and dignity for all. Within The Home, Restorative Practice has helped to establish strong relationships by building social and emotional awareness and empathy among clients, families, employees and administrators.

This training will take place in Circle. In the “safe enough” container of Circle, participants will explore their cultural heritage and experience with power. Through storytelling in Circle, participants will experience the transformative power of being deeply listened to, and co-creating spaces for learning across difference, healing past harm and preventing future harm.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the fundamental principles of Restorative and Transformative Justice
• Name the elements, philosophy and rituals of Circle
• Identify the three types of Power in program culture and structure
• Create a plan for Circle and co-keep a Circle
• Recognize the value of Circle practice in trauma-informed care, enhancing employee engagement, increasing youth, family and staff voice, and building a supportive community